China's chilled and frozen beef imports hit a record high in September 2025.

This represents a 45% increase in volume compared to the 218,000 tonnes imported in September 2024 .

The main drivers of monthly growth were Brazil and Argentina, which strengthened their key roles as suppliers in this market. According to INAC data, Uruguay exported 17,276 tons of beef to CHINA in September , 32% more than the 13,071 tons shipped in the same month in 2024.

The average import price also showed a recovery, reaching the highest sales level since the 2022 peak.

From January to September of this year, China purchased 2.12 million tonnes worth US $11.1 billion . After a weak start to the year, a recovery that began in May has offset the initial decline, and import volumes are now slightly higher than the same period in 2024.

The increase in the average price per tonne was reflected in an 11% increase in total sales volume in the first nine months of 2025, confirming the recovery of the Chinese market and its strong demand for Mercosur beef protein.